THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Hilary Dies, As Mishael Morgan Wraps Her Run With The Power Performance Of The Week

As we start the new week something will be different on The Young and the Restless. There will be no more outstanding performances by one of the most dynamic actresses ever to appear in the genre, Mishael Morgan (Hilary), unless “Ghost” Hilary is coming.

For on Friday’s hankie-inducing ten times over episode, Hilary died in Devon’s (Bryton James) arms. And, in one of the most heartbreaking sequences we have seen on the soaps in a long time, Morgan went out leaving her imprint as one of those performers who we will all be saying about, “Ah, I knew her when.” A bright future awaits Mishael and her undeniable talent. You just need to look at social media to see how many viewers have praised Mishael and fallen in love her work as the feisty, Hilary Curtis Hamilton.

In true grand soap opera fashion, and we mean that in the best possible way, on Friday, after Devon and Hilary were pronounced husband and wife, her condition is making her weaker and weaker from the injuries sustained in the car accident and the complications from surgery. The newlyweds have a champagne toast with the glasses Shauna (Camryn Hamm) gave to them. Hilary mentions making ‘Hevon’ babies with Devon; which was a sweet nod in the writing to their passionate fan base. Now getting into the hospital bed with her, Devon holds his dying bride as they start to have the heartbreaking talk as they both know what is about to happen.

Courtesy/CBS

Devon begins to break down as he tries to hold it together so Hilary can let go. She tells him to make her funeral service a celebration. She tells him that there will be an amazing woman out there who will create a family and children with him, and that she wants him to move on and be happy. Next, Hilary let’s Devon know she has had a blessed life, because she got to marry him, and hear her child’s heartbeat before it died, and all of her dreams came true. She lets him know, all his dreams cannot end with her. Then, she asks Devon to look after Shauna, who is so special to her, and who will need him when she is gone. Hilary tells Devon that whatever she thought she wanted in her life, she only just wanted him. Devon whispers that she has him forever. Suddenly, Hilary begins to cry and says, “Maybe, I did do something right.” Next, we see a montage of Hilary and Devon scenes through their relationship, which ends with Hilary telling Devon about the two stars in the sky, “the soul sisters”, which he is now reciting back to her as we are in the present day. Suddenly, he begins to sob, as Hilary has died.

Courtesy/CBS

Last week, as viewers saw all the emotional beats play out once Hilary landed in the ICU and was fighting for her life, it made for riveting, and gut-wrenching drama. These included: Mishael’s scenes where she accepts Devon’s marriage proposal, their wedding, and the key scene with Hilary’s best friend, Phyllis (Gina Tognoni) were she learns she is not going to make it. There were those touching moments with Mariah (Camryn Grimes), where she asks her to move forward and keep her show GC Buzz going, that heart-tugging scene with Neil (Kristoff St. John) where Hilary and Neil have a full-circle moment and come to terms with their past with one another. But most of all, there were the scenes with Mishael’s main Y&R scene partner, Bryton James, who can always break viewers’ hearts since we have watched Devon grow up from a boy to a man right before our eyes through James’ years on the CBS soap.

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

As for Mishael Morgan, she deserves several standing ovations for this past week’s performances; bringing the essence of Hilary through all her scenes, and making us devastated to watch the final moments of her life. Hilary was a force to be reckoned with who caused so much trouble for so many people, yet in the end, everyone on the canvas in Genoa City, and everyone at home, will miss her terribly. Without a doubt, the Power Performance of the Week goes to Mishael Morgan for this body of scenes, that we will not soon forget.

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The entire week has been incredibly emotional, with Hillary making peace
with everyone in her life… Neil, Mariah,
Lily…and finally accepting her own fate,
sad indeed.

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July 29, 2018 10:43 pm

Barb Hayes

Hilary’s performance was outstanding. I cried all week. Well done. Even though this is a soap opera story line, sad to say this happens in relation life as well. Keep up with the great story lines

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July 30, 2018 12:53 pm

Erica Pollard

Yes very outstanding that’s why I don’t understand why she had to exit after 5 years. I wish she would have never died off I was hoping for her to have lefted Genoa City and a possible return. So Proud of Mishael Morgan.

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July 31, 2018 7:35 am

Linda mullin

Thought it was really sad

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July 30, 2018 1:36 pm

James R. Poissant

Last week was outstanding. Anyone who missed it missed alot. This is the stuff that has made us hooked on soaps for years.

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July 30, 2018 3:21 am

Fanny

So true

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July 30, 2018 4:47 pm

Timmm

Oh, its Monday morning, thanks for waking me! What a snore Y&R has become! Thursday’s episode [7-26-2018] was horrible! I got through it in 10 minutes tops! Why? First, they are killing off a good character who is a very good actress. Secondly, we get to continue to see “Robotic” Devon and “Cue Card” Nate! HORRIBLE! Then you have Charlie. Well, yes, they finally got him smiling but its a teen love thing and that actress is not too good neither! Then you mix Lilly and Cane in there and it is the worst! Cane has to be one of the most hated characters on daytime. Its like this, if he waled into a donut shop, the owner gives him a donut, Cane would now think he owns it! See: Chancelor Industries! THEN, Hillary FU’ed all these people and all the sudden they are holding a candlelight vigil at her bedside! HYPOCRITES! Some fans complain about diversity on their soaps. Well, Y&R has stepped up but the casting director needs to be fired!

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July 30, 2018 4:24 am

Sue

Really need to replace a few characters for sure instead they keep letting the good ones get away…Michelle Stafford..Steve Burton..Billy Miller to name recent losses…find a new Charlie and Maddie…they both are the worst

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July 30, 2018 12:56 pm

Soaphound

You’re absolutely right, Sue. To me, the show has never recovered from the losses of Billy Miller and Michelle Stafford. Now the wonderful Mishael Morgan, too? Why don’t Cane and Lily leave?

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July 30, 2018 7:58 pm

Timmm

Yes, I agree and even though its old news and wishful thinking, Michael Muhney is missed, as well.

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July 31, 2018 5:20 am

Kelly

I couldn’t agree more

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July 31, 2018 3:42 pm

Timmm

They can take Charlie, Nate and Devon and drive them over a hill! Maddie has a chance.

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July 31, 2018 5:19 am

jaybird369

Tim…dude…more and more, I like the way you think…TOTALLY!!!!!

Have a good one.

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August 1, 2018 10:03 am

Timmm

Thanks Jay, U2!

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August 1, 2018 11:14 am

Mark m

I agree wholeheartedly.Billy Miller and Michelle Stafford made that show.I stopped watching it when Billy left.Also…Charlie and Maddie were just born about 7 yeats ago,how are they even teenagers already…So stupid.

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July 31, 2018 1:17 pm

Rayca

Watching is not required.

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July 30, 2018 1:27 pm

WildBill

Thank you. I am out. All this has turned into the sleeze hour. Phyllis and Nick was it for me. No more y&r drivel for me. Clunk…Mike drop. Now I have my life back.

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July 31, 2018 2:38 am

Erica Pollard

I am pissed about this weeks storyline if y&r doesn’t stop dying off the good characters the ratings will probably go down. Not sure after this if I will continue watching. Hillary role will truly be missed I was always looking forward to watching my Soap just to see my girl Mishael Morgan.

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July 31, 2018 7:46 am

Soaphound

Timmm, I couldn’t agree more. Poor Hilary isn’t even cold and Cane is already plotting how to protect that self-righteous shrew he’s married to. I’m glad Mishael got a respectable sendoff, but killing the character was just lazy writing. Nate? Try “Not”. WHY IS HE ON? He has one expression and even THAT isn’t appealing.

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July 30, 2018 7:55 pm

Mary SF

Cane’s protection of “Lily” is so unrealistic– come on any cop worth his salt would know Lily’s car ran the red light and caused the accident– oh wait this is the GCPD we are talking about– my bad.

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August 3, 2018 7:30 pm

Erica Pollard

I agree with all of the above my Favorite Soap needs to do better with this Dying off an excellent actress is truly disappointing to me, y&r wont br rhe same without Hilary. I hope they don’t bring Samone back in the picture of Devons life.

the ptb shot themselves in the foot with another senseless death of a popular character acted by a formidable actress . the intresting fallout will be shortterm story for average actors in lily, cane and devon but it meant we had to lose one y n r s very rare leading ladies these days furthermore an african american one. Y N R never fully recovered from the loss of victoria rowell as a popular african american star on the show and they finally found one in mishael morgan. the descision to not only work out a deal with her but to simply kill her off in what was plain and simple lazy plot development is baffling and beyond words.
the fans once again have to endure another loss of a favorite. atleast john abbotts death was a months long story. this was shoved down our throats in less than a week.
im furious that they couldn t have sent her away and tried desperately to make her return instead they took the easy way out. Without Eilleen Davidson, the RealPhyliss ,Michelle Stafford ,Jess Walton, Tracey bergman too, y n r is empty on leading ladies.
why is it that it seems only the holy trinity of victor, jack and nikki seem to get their contract demands meet? yes they are the core but they are not the future of the show anymore. Brad, Colleen,J.t, John abbott and hilary are characters just as important whose deaths will always be regretful.
I no longer have faith in the show. Dont get me started on how Eilleen davidson s departure from the show as gone without a whimper or how the show took a sweet love story of a young couple like j.t and colleen inwhich the likes we havent seen since that was what seems the last of the golden years on y n r and completely spat on that legacy by senselessy drowning colleen in a lake and giving her heart to a repulsive villian who was responsible for her death ( victor) and then turning the male half j.t into a abuser?!….
the writers on the show are confused and frankly lazy and just bad at their job it seems.
my rant and probably my viewership of the show is done… inshort sorry to Mishael and the rest of my fellow viewers that we got suckered into losing a wonderful complex and excellently portrayed actress!

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July 30, 2018 6:12 am

Kevin C

Excellent Damien and I so totally agree…I have said it a million times and I will say it again, Y&R is NO LONGER the same show and IMO it hasn’t been since 2006…So SAD what this once classic show has become…I will be tuning out completely too for CBS/SONY is not listening to us long time fans and they frankly DO NOT CARE about this show…GOODBYE Y&R…This fan for 30plus years is checking out…

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July 30, 2018 9:59 am

Lew S.

Damien, I totally agree with you. Ilove the characters of Jack, Nikki and Victor, but there also has to be the next generation. Mishael’s Hilary was a hot ticket and her absence will be felt – bad decision Mal Young and the suits! Instead of bringing on more characters we could care less about,invest in those you have been ignoring – There are too many to name! Eileen Davidson’s departure in a few months will be another loss for the show.

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July 30, 2018 11:22 am

Mai

I agree completely after Victoria Rowell there are no African American women on the soap. I will not be watching anymore. I loved Hilary and will miss her. The most beautiful woman on Y&R and all this over contract issues which could have easily been worked out. Good Bye Y&R because they got rid of all the African Americans on The Bold & The Beautiful as well you might as well say. The entire Avant Family Just gone. Left us with no one but Justin & those two new teenagers. Please

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July 30, 2018 8:13 pm

Erica Pollard

Exactly this was a lazy and senseless act how do us Fans recover from the acts of dying off good characters and we just keep watching and being let down even more. Hilary could have been sick longer or in a Coma or whatever until they worked out Contract negotiations. With a magnificent recovery Hilary could have came back. I will be more pissed if they bring Samone Back in Devons life.

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July 31, 2018 7:52 am

Mister Media

I agree with everything you wrote. Mishael has been special from day one and this is a huge loss for the show. Although the hospital scenes required a huge suspension of disbelief, they were absolutely worth watching to view her performance. Mishael may be the most beautiful woman in daytime and I will miss seeing her.

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July 30, 2018 6:42 am

Karen

I agree with everyone, Damien and the rest. My question is why! Why did she have go? She was so wonderful as this character. Her wit was was outstanding.

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July 30, 2018 10:08 pm

Erica Pollard

Because of the laziness of the Producers and Executive Producers to work out an acceptable contract negotiation for Mishael Morgan.

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July 31, 2018 7:56 am

Erica Pollard

Yes but the hospital performances could have been longer I feel they rushed her last performance. As I stated I am very upset with last week’s storyline Hilary should not have died off the show period.

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July 31, 2018 7:54 am

Ann

Great performances last week – though i think Hillary’s character was too great to just kill off – they should have recast the role of Hillary

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July 30, 2018 9:16 am

Veeta Parks

yes

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July 30, 2018 3:12 pm

Maria antoniette

I think Hilary should have not left she was a person going to miss her on the Young and the restless good luck with your next chapter in life

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July 30, 2018 11:22 am

Dolores Soca

It was absolutely amazing never missed a show. Not enough words

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July 30, 2018 11:42 am

Doris

I’m not a Hilary person, however the final scene was very touching.

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July 30, 2018 11:51 am

Valerie Cheers Brown

I am sad though Hilary went out with a bang! She will be missed but am anxious to see what is coming up for Devon next?

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July 30, 2018 12:04 pm

Deborah Lachance

What a couple of actors. Both Devon and Hillary did a phenominal performance

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July 30, 2018 12:05 pm

Valerie Cheers Brown

I totally agree!

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July 30, 2018 7:19 pm

Lora Ristum

Very sad but she did an awesome job.

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July 30, 2018 12:11 pm

Valerie Cheers Brown

Yes, Hilary will be missed for sure and can think of a few who would not be missed that are still there?

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July 30, 2018 7:19 pm

Mary Johnson

Cried So Many Tears ! Touched my heart deeply. She’s definitely going to be missed. Truthfully I’m upset that she never got to have the baby & be happy for a bit before tragically leaving the show. I will Always Remember Hillary Curtis Hamilton Forever. Miss her & easily tear up thinking of her losing the baby & death. Time for Lily to have hard days for the hateful nasty things she screamed at Hillary. Let her & Cane suffer; don’t care.

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July 30, 2018 12:19 pm

Erica Pollard

Agreed Mary as a devoted fan I to am very upset with these Producers they could have did better with Casting off Hilary’s role they didn’t even let her have the baby first.

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July 31, 2018 8:23 am

Phoebe Beckett

Incredible,, gorgeous, real, inspired

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July 30, 2018 12:31 pm

sharon long

It was so sad I was crying

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July 30, 2018 12:46 pm

Valerie Cheers Brown

Me too and even though a soap opera, still a good moral & message not to be forgotten that tomorrow is not promised!

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July 30, 2018 7:21 pm

Rayca

Mishael’s performance was emmy-award-winning. Perhaps, she now will have her special moment and win next year’s award. So well deserved. Thursday’s show was especially moving. I only wish CBS and Y&R would have wished to have the Thursday build up be on Friday, with Hilary’s final performance. We had to sit through all the other story lines when I think everyone was waiting for Hilary’s final moment. I know I was. Why cloud the issue. It was choppy. I don’t know how it could ever happen, but I sure hope CBS can find a way to bring her back.

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July 30, 2018 1:21 pm

Erica Pollard

Once they die off a Character they won’t come back, however the only time that happened was when Adam’s role supposedly died off then re casted for a very short while. I feel they should have stretched the storyline out for Hilary a little longer.

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July 31, 2018 8:26 am

Diana Marion

Actually,since Hillary was no longer attached to the machines,I think she didn’t die.She has been taken somewhere for experimental treatments.She will be back.I have seen too many soaps but I would be willing to bet that this is what happened.

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July 30, 2018 1:37 pm

Ceecee

I think they should bring her back and make it like she was dreaming everything that happened while in a coma.

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July 30, 2018 7:20 pm

carole feals

I don’t usually cry during soaps but this one had me in tears everyday.
Ill really miss her.
Hope they drop the lesbian relationship, that was sickening!!!!!!

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July 30, 2018 1:41 pm

Heather

Yes they need to do that really bad

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July 31, 2018 8:23 am

francenestarr

No — it’s good to see all kinds of relationships and love.

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August 1, 2018 4:54 pm

francenestarr

Get with the times — it is real life.

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August 1, 2018 4:53 pm

Hema Beekharry

I don’t think they should have killed her off. She is a remarkable actress. And all the seens leading up to her death were outstanding and heart wrenching. Y & R @ its best!! “brilliant performance”!!❤

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July 30, 2018 2:04 pm

Valerie Cheers Brown

Yes, an award-winning finale for Hilary for sure!

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July 30, 2018 7:22 pm

L. Leaming

So are they going to explain who the mystery guy Hillary met with last week when Mariah and Tessa saw her and what that meeting was about, or did I just miss it?

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July 30, 2018 2:23 pm

Delsie

I didn’t watch, too heartbroken. I was just getting to like Hillary, I just couldn’t watch even though
I PVR I ended up deleting all of it. Not sure when I’ll start watching again. When they killed little Delia off it took me months before to get courage to start watching again. I’ll see how it goes. I wish Mishael nothing but good things in the future. All the best. I’m not sure why the writers choose to kill off these actors not even leaving the door open for their return if like to. A fter watching for over years I have lost interest, even when I PVR I still delete.
Delsie

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July 30, 2018 2:45 pm

Heather Jacobs

As a long time viewer of Y&R I found the ending of Hilary very emotional and beautifully done.

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July 30, 2018 2:51 pm

Joe Ann c Adelagun

you did not have to kill her off the show. I hate that part.

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July 30, 2018 2:58 pm

MAZIE kindness

It was riveting, I cried watching Friday’s episode. It was the BEST scene on Y& R for a very long time. She’s dynamic and deserves all the accolades that she is receiving. I for one am going to miss her terribly.

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July 30, 2018 3:44 pm

Holly

This is so crazy for me to be this emotional. I am so heartbroken. I feel as though I lost my sister. Honestly I have loved watching Y&R because of the love story of “Devon & Hillary”. I have been crying every day since the accident. Why did she have to lose the baby and die? Why couldn’t they have had that future they had planned? The producers made a huge mistake letting Mishael go. Big mistake!!!

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July 30, 2018 3:57 pm

Angie

What??? C’mon…… Well maybe in true soap opera fashion they will bring Hillary back yrs down the road. But plzzzz bring her back

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July 30, 2018 3:58 pm

minnie

I made up my mind that, even though I have watched since the first show, if they kill off that beautiful and talented Hillary, I will stop watching. They could have done something to keep HER, (or at least her character), around. I HAVE STOPPED WATCHING!

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July 30, 2018 4:18 pm

Erma Spand

They was awesome and I hate she have to leave the show, WHY????

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July 30, 2018 5:17 pm

Linda Evans

She was AWESOME i cried from Monday through Friday never watched anything so emotional. I wish her best in her future.

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July 30, 2018 5:44 pm

Esmerelda

Sad that she is gone and will be missed

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July 30, 2018 5:47 pm

Alanna Pinchuk

What a amazing performance Mishaelis a very special talent that i hope one day comes back to young & the restless again. Wishing her the very best with her career and new baby.

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July 30, 2018 5:52 pm

Jill

YNR let another good actress go…should have negotiated better!! Bad move now no good actors/actresses left on show Smdh

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July 30, 2018 5:54 pm

Linda

I think Hillary was the bomb beautiful and exciting even in her death. I will miss her I cried as though it was real. Congratulations on you real baby to you and your husband . You are so beautiful thank you for the many year of performance. Looking forward to your next pictures in the future.

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July 30, 2018 6:38 pm

Dorothy

Go miss Hilary very much need her to come back

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July 30, 2018 6:39 pm

Joy

She spoke her mind and had a very soft heart when it came down to her family. I wish her character would have never come to an end. Wish they could have brought her back.

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July 30, 2018 6:51 pm

Edith

I was sad toooo see her passing last week spoiler said she an Devon was going to find another. Dr. What happened? I won’t read any more spoilers alert ever.

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July 30, 2018 8:24 pm

OCMommy

I think my opinion should really matter. I have been watching Y & R since DAY ONE! Hilary’s exit was done great. However I really did not like to see her go! It took me forever to get over Drew as she was great!! The show is def getting boring. Hope I can continue on…

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July 30, 2018 8:47 pm

Mateo

I honestly found the episodes showcasing the departure of Mishael Morgan were amazing. This reminded me of the power of a good story. It also reminded me of when Cassie died with her parents at her side. This was good drama. I have stopped feeling anger or surprise when great actors move on. I have watched so many GREAT actors leave. It started for me with Beverlee McKinsey leaving Guiding Light and it has gone on and on. I agree that Y&R has been hit hard by the departures of actors like Billy Miller, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Michelle Stafford and various others. I can’t comment on the departure of Steve Burton because when he left Y&R I had a block party and lifted glasses to celebrate. Then I had to wear black when I heard he went back to GH. I don’t understand why they brought back Nate. He serves no purpose. It was inferred that he and Hillary might spark up something but then she was written out and now there is absolutely no purpose for him. Although he can stand without a shirt on any day of the week. In fact, just prop him up at the Club and let the people walk around him while I stare in total awe wonder and enchantment. I am happy that Y&R is FINALLY handling a gay story. I don’t care for the character of Tessa. She is very one dimensional but I love Mariah. (Camryn Grimes is stunning in her portrayal). I just hope they don’t start a story and drop it because some people are upset by the content. Love is love. I have to say I have loved the show these last few weeks. They have really done well in telling stories. My main beef with Cane and Lily is that they always act like teenagers in heat. Please let them have a story line where Lily is completely clothed and Cane is not tossing her on a desk. She will have lower back issues someday I am certain. I give kudos to Y&R for a great week in drama. It was sad to watch it but it was some of the best TV in a long while.

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July 30, 2018 8:49 pm

francenestarr

yes, love is love!~

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August 1, 2018 4:56 pm

jay

She was great, the show needs to pick it up or else it’s going to lose more viewership

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July 30, 2018 8:55 pm

Carol

Hilary was one of those characters we love to hate. And when they die off, the loss is so emotional that it feels like we are mourning a real death. This actress was so great that I got caught up in her situations over and over through her time on the show and will miss her terribly. 🙁

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July 31, 2018 4:26 am

Susan McLeod

Oh my gosh she was amazing!!Shes such an incredible actress!! I am so sad shes leaving. Her diversity in acting is truly a gift! Please return!

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July 31, 2018 6:49 am

Erica Pollard

I will truly Miss Hilary as my Soap Hour will not be the same without her. Also as a devoted fan I did not like her exit storyline. I feel she should not have died off the show, Maybe just a leave would have been better maybe if hopes. Of her returning or re-cast. You will be truly Missed Mishael Morgan Job Well Done

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July 31, 2018 7:31 am

S Will

Me too! I hate writers/producers wouldn’t give her the money she deserved. They could have just wrote her off or in a coma. If I could cause your rating to go down by not watching that’s what I might do

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August 1, 2018 10:00 am

Marsha

I cried for two days. Please bring her back or another Hilary, so her husband can be happy and have a baby. Producers, please bring someone in his life now. It just ended wrong.

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July 31, 2018 8:17 am

Golds

Never ever should have let Hilary die..once in awhile there is a Happy story in real life as there should be in soaps as well.

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July 31, 2018 9:03 am

Susan Sundby

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! The scenes with Hilary & Devon were award worthy. Her friendship with Phyllis was great and her relationship with Mariah was well written. I have not like Lily for a while now and hope the show gives her a slap off her pedestal for this. Y & R lost a truly great actress and I can’t wait to see her in future endeavors.

Tears came to my eyes never saw anything like this on soaps and I’ve been watching for 52 tears

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July 31, 2018 4:13 pm

Pat

Outstanding and very emotional acting by Mishael Morgan. Will miss her truly.

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July 31, 2018 9:08 pm

soapqueenforever

The episodes closing out Hilary departure were phenomenal. The actors portraying Devon and Hillary went beyond their A gamecin their performances. I haven’t cried like that over a movie or a TV the way I did last week if ever. One scene was more heartbreaking than the next. But for reason, I don’t know why, the scene that got to me the most was Devon and Neil hugging in the hospital corridor. When Neil put his head on top of Devon’s head that finished me. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I am so glad Kristoff St. John is back. Nobody should be allowed to play Neil but him. Not to slight the Hilary story, let’s not forget the wonderful scene with Mariah saying goodbye to Tessa in the car. That little girl is one hell of an actress. I just look at her glazed eyes and I lose it. Thank you Y&R for a wonderful week of performances.

GH’s Steve Burton and Maurice Benard Deliver “The Power Performance of the Week”

May 24, 2020

Last week, as General Hospital aired the final episodes they had in the can, prior to the coronavirus TV production shutdown, viewers of the series were left with a one-two punch of gut-wrenching performances from Daytime Emmy winners, Steve Burton (Jason) and Maurice Benard (Sonny)

Burton, also received great news last week, when he found out he was again Emmy-nominated in the Lead Actor in a Drama Series category, while Benard, told fans he did not submit himself in the competition this year, when they were wondering where his name was in the list of the finalists in the category. However, Maurice won last year for the second time in his career, for Outstanding Lead Actor.

Courtesy/ABC

Now on last Tuesday and Wednesday’s episode of the ABC daytime drama series, Jason was trying his best to break it to Sonny that Sonny’s dad, Mike (Max Gail) is not going to get any better as he continues to decline from Alzheimer’s disease, and that Mike is waiting for Sonny to let him go. Sonny is devastated sitting with Mike watching him being completely unresponsive. He tell Mike he will be back to see him tomorrow, as he leaves Mike reaches out his hand slowly.

Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) has just told Jason that she believes the signs are all there that Mike is on his final decline and battle with Alzheimers. Mike is unresponsive, not eating. and slipping away quickly. She believes he wants to let go, but is holding on for Sonny’s sake, something that tears through Jason. Knowing Jason was told something by Elizabeth, Sonny asks what it is. That is when Jason tells Sonny he thinks Mike is waiting for Sonny to let him go.

An overcome Sonny tells Jason that he worries that Mike might still want to fight, but for what? He is a shell of himself and has no memories. It is then that Burton as Jason, in a touching performance, tells Sonny what he’d want if he were in Mike’s place. Jason reflect that he wouldn’t want machines keeping him alive or his kids having to go through what Sonny is having to deal with right now Jason goes on to say that even when Sonny put walls up between himself and Mike through the years, that Mike never stopped trying to break them down.

Photo:ABC

Once Jason leaves, with tears running down his cheeks, Sonny sits with Mike trying to come to terms with what he must do now. Will Sonny let Mike die and spare his father any further misery … or will he try to prolong whatever time Mike has left?

These scenes for anyone who has endured or lived through losing a loved one battling through Alzheimer’s and having to make a life and death decision, and the emotional turmoil and sadness it causes a family, could feel the pain and heartbreak played by Burton and Benard. That is why Michael Fairman TV gives Steve and Maurice the honors of The Power Performance of the Week.

Watch a few scenes from part of Steve and Maurice’s ‘Power Performance’ below

Then let us know, what did you think of Steve and Maurice’s performances in the Alzheimer’s storyline? Comment below.

ABC and PEOPLE’s ‘The Story of Soaps’: What Was Your Review Of It?

May 20, 2020

Tuesday’s night airing of ABC and PEOPLE’s two-hour special The Story of Soaps featured many notable daytime and primetime soap stars, past and present, clips from backstage to classic memorable moments, and some participants who were providing commentary on the erosion of the daytime soaps in our culture. Still others, maintained and realized that everything today is serialized from the news we watch, to some of Netflix’s most binge-watchable series, and of course, the birth of reality-programming.

Throughout the airing of the special, The Story of Soaps was trending on Twitter and social media either at the #2, #3 or #4 spots for the entire duration of the broadcast presentation, and the cancelled and beloved All My Children was also at one point trending.

However, known soap writers, journalists, ardent fans, and actors of the genre, were all on Twitter last night live-tweeting their thoughts as the special went down, and there was definitely mixed reactions and reviews, when all was said and done.

What the special did not shy away from, but tackled, was Luke’s rape of Laura at the campus disco on General Hospital. and how that moment now, as Genie Francis (Laura), so eloquently put, would be considered as ‘date rape’ in our culture. The series even included a pivotal moment where Laura addresses Luke (Tony Geary) about the rape years later, after helping Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) through her rape ordeal.

John Stamos (Ex-Blackie Parrish, GH) got a bevy of “Right On’s!” for his comment that the soaps do not get the credit that they deserve and clearly came through as one of the soaps greatest supporters, as did former The Doctors and Knots Landing star, Alec Baldwin.

However, throughout the two-hours, Andy Cohen’s commentary was thread throughout; mostly citing soap’s demise and the creation of reality-programming and his “Real Housewives” franchise, that the special touted as the new soap operas. It continued on the narrative that people preferred to see real-life drama then made-up drama on a fictional soap. And while, that has been a trend in American culture for decades, the commentary came off as often out of place in a celebration of the soaps; and bringing in a lot of negativity to the special that soap fans were tired of hearing.

In a lighting rod moment, Cohen stated: “I know Susan Lucci doesn’t agree with me, but I think that the Housewives have replaced soap operas because truth is stranger than fiction. Soaps became kind of unnecessary because you could do it with real people, and they’re writing the drama themselves.”

The special did also address the cancellations of All My Children and One Life to Live, (which many were not sure they were going to do – given this special was airing on ABC), where One Life’s leading lady and six-time Daytime Emmy winner, Erika Slezak (Ex-Viki) said what we all wanted to sa ywhen the ax fell on the towns of Llanview and Pine Valley, “People were horrified”.

Clearly, OJ Simpson and his murder trial and reality-programming were also given a chunk of time to show where the once mighty landscape of daytime soaps which once had 13 shows on the air, dwindled town to 4. But, it would have been nice to see more time spent on how in this day and age, the people in this current landscape of the genre work so hard to get episodes done at an unbelievable pace, and how in that climate the performers still deliver gut-wrenching performances.

Photo: ABC

Former Loving, OLTL and Breaking Bad star, Bryan Cranston, did point out how the once powerful soaps, just don’t have the dollars they used to, and need to, to help with production costs and their taping schedule.

Viewers were reminded of soaps’ socially relevant storylines including hankie-inducing moments from: Robin (Kimberly McCullough) and Stone’s (Michael Sutton) HIV/AIDS storyline on General Hospital, to Billy Douglas being a gay teen coming out on One Life to Live, played by a young Ryan Phillippe.

There also did not seem time spent on the contributions of William J. Bell; one of the most prominent writers of the soap genre of all-time.

For many commenting on social media last night, there seemed to be a feeling of some glaring omissions of participants who could speak on this genre, who have been in the trenches as soap producers, soap writers, pundits, actors, and more, who were not included in the special.

So, what was your review of The Story of Soaps? How would you grade it? Do you feel it accurately reflected the history of the genre? Were you happily surprised, or when it came to the end where you over it, or somewhere in between? Sound off in the comment section below. Below are some tweets from notables who have worked as an actor, a writer, and a journalist in the soaps.

What started as a love letter kinda dissolved into a lover kicking you out of bed.
Ummm ok well I guess I appreciate the effort. But that definitely took a turn.🤷🏻‍♀️😬🤪 #TheStoryofSoaps

OMG so I’m still watching/catching up on #TheStoryofSoaps. Why does it suddenly feel like a death knell for the genre?! Why can’t it be a celebration? We’re hanging tough with no new episodes IN THE MIDDLE OF A FREAKING PANDEMIC! Why not celebrate our resilience? I’m done!

Here’s the thing: The reason we’re down to 4 soaps is because network execs messed with time slots, cut budgets and interfered with storytelling. ABC can’t admit that so they have to get @Andy to trash them. But #TheStoryofSoaps was still a fun watch. Long live #AMC, #OLTL & #GH! https://t.co/pqR0Gx3cnf

DAYS Stacy Haiduk and Linsey Godfrey Deliver ‘The Power Performance of the Week’

May 17, 2020

Fans of Days of our Lives knew when the mother of all showdowns was going to go down, it would be the payoff they had waited for – the rightful bio-mom would finally hold her baby in her arms!

In emotional and top-notch performances from Stacy Haiduk (Kristen) and Linsey Godfrey (Sarah), Kristen finally comes face-to-face with baby Rachel, who Sarah had kidnapped, although Sarah believed for so long that she was raising her daughter, MacKenzie. When she learned the bombshell truth, that the child was not hers and that her baby died, she took off with the little one to Europe.

On last Tuesday’s episode, an overwrought and pissed Kristen tells Sarah: “Where the hell do you think you’re going with my baby?” Sarah calls the child her daughter. Trying to reason with her Kristen knows Sarah loves Rachel. Then, Sarah goes on how she was there from the beginning and helped the baby through cancer. Kristen knows and appreciates that, but also says it should have been her that was doing all of that, and all of those moments and more were stolen from her.

Sarah calls out Kristen and says she is incapable of being a good mother. Cornered Sarah says she will scream if Kristen tries to take Rachel out of her arms. Kristen relates that her baby is alive and she’s so very sorry that her joy is Sarah’s mourning. Kristen truly thanks Sarah for everything she’s done the entire time to raise her little girl, But, she asks Sarah to please hand over her child. Sobbing, Sarah finally does just that.

Next, Brady (Eric Martsolf) and Xander (Paul Telfer) show up at the scene, and for the first time, Brady and Kristen hold their daughter. Their joy turns to more sorrow when they realize Kristen can never go back to Salem. If she does, she will be sent to prison for stabbing Victor (John Aniston). When Brady agrees to disappear with her, Kristen won’t let him do that. Brady says that if he has to let her go to protect her and their child, he will step aside. In another heartbreaking moment, Brady tells Rachel he loves her and says his heart will be with her, always. Kristen promises to give her the life she deserves and the two say goodbye!

Later, Sarah returns to Abigail and Chad’s apartment where she tells Rex (Kyle Lowder) what happened and that she handed over the baby. She cries as Rex holds her as Xander (Paul Telfer) arrives, and Sarah is not-to-pleased to see him!

All complex emotional scenes, that is why Michael Fairman TV names Stacy and Linsey are Power Performances of the Week. Let us know what you thought of their big scenes via the comment section below.